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find the best versions of grateful dead songs

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Carrion_Crow

Stealth Head

+49767


Submissions

9
Not Fade Away
July 17, 1976
Orpheum Theatre

Smoldering hot and long jam capping a great 2nd set. The kind of jam you want to go on forever.
2
Beat it on Down The Line
Oct. 21, 1971
Auditorium Theatre

Listen in and hear exactly where Jerry's fingers achieve terminal velocity. Keith's first shows have manic wild energy, lots of fun.
7
The Other One
Oct. 19, 1971
Northrop Auditorium, U. of Minn.

Hard charging power here in 24 minutes of explosive dark matter. It's a massive oversight that this show hasn't been more widely appreciated.
7
Brokedown Palace
Oct. 19, 1971
Northrop Auditorium, U. of Minn.

Stunning. Beautiful harmonies, strong pulse, Keith roars in like they know in advance what he brings. Show needs more love.
2
Playin' In The Band
Oct. 19, 1971
Northrop Auditorium, U. of Minn.

Massive transitional masterpiece. 1st with Keith, and he's the missing ingredient that tips PiTB over the edge into its full glory. Great mix.

Comments

Black Throated Wind
March 26, 1972
Academy of Music

Damn right. Sounds like they mastered it long before. Charlie Miller cleanup on this show is all that, too.
Estimated Prophet
May 25, 1977
The Mosque

Donnie's right here. I can't say this one touches the madness that makes this song so special. While my personal opinion is that the Dead were generally more musically interesting in '77 than they were in '91, I also think that the best Estimated Prophets convey jagged, off-kilter, schizophrenia, and could tip you over the edge given the right/wrong mental state. This one sounds like a work in progress - and I think this is one of, if not the best shows in all of '77.
How Sweet It Is
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

This is one of the most brilliant versions of this song I've ever heard, whether or not I'm also a deadhead. (I am.) Donna never sounded better either.
Smokestack Lightnin'
March 25, 1972
Academy of Music

Pigpen comes out after an hour+ of, shall we say, a not-too-convincing Bo Diddley featuring the Grateful Dead set, and pours it on thick and luscious. Do you think he wanted to step up to Bo D. and say, "now that's how it's done", one bluesman to the next? It seems like the 'lil red rooster wanted to strut in his own backyard here. One of the best, and a painful reminder of how amazing Pigpen's sound could have blended with the emerging seventies Dead. It also sounds like half the band wanted to go into Truckin' for the last five minutes of vamping. Cool how it hovers around but never fully coalesces.
Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad
March 23, 1972
Academy of Music

Cucamonga's right here. This one has no business with only two votes. Were they completely on fire? Did they leave anyone alive? Did they have to replace all their equipment afterwards? Jeez, this one's a scorcher, and needs to be much higher up.